Geneva Falls Short Against 22nd Ranked W & J

Beaver Falls, PA - Geneva′s women′s basketball team brought its offense to the floor on Saturday against 22nd Washington & Jefferson. It was the defense that couldn′t slow down the Presidents potent attack in an 88-74 loss. Geneva fell to 6-11 while W & J improved to 15-2.

The Golden Tornadoes hung around throughout the first half and led 11-8 midway through the first stanza. The Presidents got rolling in the latter stages of the first half and took a 45-37 lead into the locker room. "I thought we played a solid first half," said head coach Renee Drake. "We gave away some open looks on defense and they took advantage." The Presidents took advantage to the tune of 64% shooting in the first half.

The second half proved to be much of the same as W & J finished the game shooting 55% from the field. They also knocked down 15-17 free throws that put away any chances of a Geneva comeback. The Golden Tornadoes did battle to within six points on two separate occasions in the second half but could not draw closer. "I am proud of our effort," said Drake. "They are nationally ranked for a reason and I feel like we played right alongside them for most of the day."

Alyse Scarsella posted her second consecutive double-double with a career high 22 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Renee Rawding added 11 points before fouling in the final minutes of the game. Fellow Blackhawk High School star Beth DeLuca scored ten points in the loss.

W & J got double digit scoring from all five starters including a team best 20 points from Alyssa Oursler. Kennan Killeen and Maggie Gibson each added 17 points for a W & J team that won for the eighth straight game.

The Golden Tornadoes will look for their first road win of the season on Wednesday when they travel to Thiel College. Geneva returns home next Saturday afternoon to host Bethany College.